Tribute Presentation Sample
Specific purpose: To entertain, as well as inspire my audience, by showing my admiration and honoring a historical ideological leader who changed lives.
Central idea: Martin Luther King, Jr. used his courage and determination to change the lives of many people and the perspective of American people on racial differences.
Pattern: Topical.
I. Introduction
A. Attention Statement
“I have a dream”. This is a phrase that definitely leads to the thought of one great man.
B. Thesis Statement
I would like to share my thoughts of someone who is a great inspiration in the lives of most people in the world who know about him, my role model and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Martin Luther King, Jr.
C. Point Preview
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man who showed sustained sacrifice in his quest to fight for the rights of the oppressed. This sometimes got him into trouble, but he still pushed on.
D. Significance of Subject
The example of this great leader is the reason why I never lose hope when life proves to be tougher than expected, knowing that I can always make a dramatic turn in my life and the lives of others.
II. Body
A. Subject Statement
Martin’s selflessness and desire to better the lives of other people was extremely authentic; he never, at any time, tried to do things for his own selfish gain.
B. Illustration
Just as I am inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr., he also had one great inspiration; this was Mahatma Gandhi. This is what led him to visit India in 1959 to get knowledge on non-violent resistance. In most of his speeches, this was a man who always made it clear that non-violent means were the most effective way of oppressed people fighting for their rights. At a certain time, Martin showed that he placed great value on morality. This was when his mentor, Rustin, showed open homosexuality. Martin chose to distance himself from this man. This shows that he was a man who was really straight forward. His general goal was to ensure that peace and justice prevailed in America. These traits of Martin Luther King, Jr. have really helped in the building of my character. He has taught me to choose the right company and friends. It has also showed me how to identify the morality of a course of action, before placing my efforts in it.
III. Conclusion
A. Summary Statement
So, we have seen that Martin Luther King, Jr. was a self sacrificing and great man, whose name will remain forever in the mouths of people all around the world.
B. Transition Statement
However, there always have to be people who do not approve of the way someone does things, as with the case of Martin Luther King, Jr. when the government portrayed him as a potential threat to peace.
C. Significance of Subject
The impact of Martin Luther King, Jr., living with the consequences that emerged from his desire and zeal to help others, has always taught me to be generous and helpful to others, despite the possible consequences.
D. Wraparound
To Martin’s quote that “hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that”, I add that only moral and straightforward people, like Martin Luther King, Jr., can change the evils that exist in the society.
Reference
King, M. L. & Carson, C. (1998) – The autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. New York: Intellectual Properties Management in association with Warner Books.
